Crowns are often the chosen remedy for covering the entire tooth surface that is damaged by fractured fillings, broken teeth or extremely decayed teeth. Also known as a cap, crowns are intended to protect and strengthen the tooth’s structure in cases where fillings cannot handle the restoration. And, unlike fillings, crowns do not suffer from unsightly appearances and a limited life. Among the benefits of using crowns are the following:

• Natural appearance: Crowns made of porcelain can match the size, shape and translucence of most teeth thereby making them a popular choice for natural looking smiles. Their stain-resistant luster make them a particularly good choice for front teeth. In nearly all cases, it is impossible to distinguish porcelain crowns from your natural teeth.
• Exceptional durability: A crowns actually strengthens the tooth structure while preserving its functionality. They bond extremely well to the teeth thereby improving bite strength and preventing other teeth from shifting. And since they have a smooth surface, they have a long life span.

Type of Crowns

The most common materials used in the manufacture of crowns is porcelain because of its because of it natural tooth colored appearance. Within the family of products are all-porcelain crowns and porcelain fused to metal crowns. The latter has a metal base and porcelain cap that is often selected for its strength and resistance. Their main disadvantage is the dark line that is often seen around the bottom edge of the crown. All-porcelain dental crowns give an especially natural looking appearance (as compared to porcelain fused to metal crowns.)

When are Crowns Appropriate?

1. Restore your beautiful smile and maintain natural bite;
2. Cover discolored and irregularities in teeth in improving cosmetic appearance;
3. Protect severely damaged tooth or tooth weakened by decay, fracture, large fillings or root canal treatment from fracturing. Teeth with large fillings tend to flex more forcing the tooth apart possible causing stress fractures;
4. Hold together cracked or weaken teeth and seal the tooth from decay;
5. Restore tooth from large decay, cavities or fillings;
6. Support the replacement teeth in a bridge; and
7. Cover a dental implant.

Porcelain Crown Treatments

• The procedure for placing crowns normally requires 2 office visits. In the first visit, Dr. Keith Blessitt will take several impressions later used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory. While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

• During your second appointment, about two weeks after the first, Dr. Blessitt will clean you tooth and place your new crown while ensuring that accuracy of your teeth spacing and bite.